[Interview] Abhishek Paul wins Somuchpoker Survivor $10,000 cash prize

During the 2023 WSOP Main Event, India’s Abhishek Paul outlasted the participants of the Somuchpoker Survivor Promo to win $10,000 in cold hard cash. On Day 5, after Filipino Cezar Quiambao was eliminated, Paul was neck and neck against Filipino William Ysmael. Ysmael exited in 624th place, Paul fell shortly after in 564th place for $32,500.

Abhishek Paul: Funny story, when only two of us were left, I was having food at the cafe and I had the patch on, Will saw it and came up to me saying “hey, you’re the other one left?” So that’s when I knew it was only between me and him. So when we went back to play, he saw where I was sitting. When he busted, he came up to me and said he busted. But I wasn’t sure if it was him so I asked you and you confirmed it.

SMP: Did it change your game?

Abhishek Paul: Definitely. There were certain spots where I could have gone in and I was already short stack during the last hour of the tournament. But the fact that I knew there was only me and Will, I waited it out until he goes, and it also helped me get ahead in the tournament. I was just trying to stay in the game, survive as long as I could. I had a deepstack earlier in Day 4 but then I played a hand wrong so I dropped to short stack. I was even down to 10 bb.

SMP: So how did it feel knowing you won it?

Abhishek Paul: I was thrilled, I was super happy. The whole fact that it helped me go ahead in the tournament. I needed to get this to get ahead. It was like beating 100 more players and go up around 3 pay jumps to $42,500. And it was also a tax jump! (laughs)

SMP: What do you think of the promo and would you participate again next year?

Abhishek Paul: One hundred percent all the time every time! The promo is awesome! I am so glad Somuchpoker offered me this. I cannot be thankful enough.